Operators monitor troubles in Egypt
Tour operators are keeping a close eye on the situation in Egypt as the country braces itself for the biggest day of protests today.
Security forces are on high alert and all internet, mobile phone and SMS services have been blocked in light of planned demonstrations.
Millions of people will gather at mosques in Cairo today for Friday prayers, giving activists a prime opportunity to encourage a mass protest.
So far, seven people have been killed in this week’s violent clashes.
Thomson, First Choice, Thomas Cook and Cosmos have cancelled all excursions to Cairo as a precautionary measure.
Thomson said it has been in touch with its 27 clients staying in the city and none have requested to come back early.
"The vast majority of our tour operations are in Sharm el Sheikh, which is a considerable distance – indeed, an eight-hour drive – from Cairo," said a spokesman.
"People should also take considerable reassurance from the fact that the resort of Sharm el Sheikh operates like a country in itself…with just one secure road into the resort."
A spokesman for Thomas Cook said due to the size and geography of Egypt, it was not the same as the recent troubles in Tunisia.
Tamara Diethelm, Kuoni market management and pricing vice president, said: "Our clients in Cairo are all safe and well and excursions in the downtorn area have been postponed. It is too early to see, but certainly booking patterns remain the same for forward bookings to Cairo."
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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